Baldwin County says 'No' to consolidated government | News

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Editor's note: Consolidation supporter Walter Reynolds told 13WMAZ Tuesday that he planned to put a unification charter on the ballot next year. On Wednesday, Reynolds says he misspoke. He says he expects backers will meet with consolidation opponents in the next year to work out their differences and try to draw up a better charter. He said it may take three to five years to put a new plan on the ballot and get it approved.

Voters say they do not want the consolidation charter.

64 percent of voters in Milledgeville said 'no' and in the county, 62 percent said 'no' as well.

"We are very excited and relieved. We are thankful for the citizens of Baldwin County, Milledgeville, for getting out and voting, listening to the facts and realizing that they've made a statement that consolidation is not for us," said Gregory Barnes, Chair of the Committee Opposing Consolidation.

Meanwhile those who are for a consolidated government say they're not giving up.

Councilman Walter Reynolds says next year, there will be a unification charter on the ballot again.

"I think that, ultimately, we're going to have the opportunity to bring the 'no' side of this issue to this table, and hopefully get this thing passed the second time around," said Reynolds.

Opponents to the merger say supporters of the new charter should respect the people's choice.

"To bring it back again, what you're doing is disrespecting the will of the people. I would be concerned at anyone who calls themselves a leader and will not respect the will of the people,"said Barnes.

The charter would have needed 50 percent plus one vote in both the city and county.